Distribution plays a crucial role in good slam bidding. Here’s a review of the step” that should be used by the declarer after his suit has been supported:1. Begin with your starting points (your high-card points).2. Short suits: Add 2 points for a singleton, 4 points for a void and 1 for two or three doubletons.3. Extra length in trumps: Add 1 for each trump after five, SO 1 point for a six-card suit, 2 points for a seven-card suit, etc.4. Side suits: Add 1 point for a four-card suit or five-card side suit.

I needed a name for declarer’s points after re-evaluating. Because I introduced some of the relevant factors, several Players suggested the name Bergen Points. Once you use steps 1-4 above, the sum will be the number of Bergen Points you have. Add your Bergen Points to the number of points partner promised. That will tell you whether or not your side has 33 total points needed for a possible slam.

Let’s practice re-evaluating by declarer after finding a fit. Ask these questions:1. How many starting points do you have?2. How many Bergen Points do you have?3. What’s your bid?

You Partner1 3?3 shows a limit raise with four trumps. You hold: A 10 A K 7 6 5 2 3 A J 10 9

You know you have enough aces (and key cards), s0 there is no need to bid Blackwood. Because the partnershiphas at least 10 trumps headed by the A-K, you don’t need to be concerned about the Q. Therefore, you shouldbid 6.